When beginning to make candles, try to envision the type of candle you may want to have in your house; strong scent, nice colors, no smoke or soot and an overall safe clean burning candle.

Now try to envision the work needed to make this perfect candle. Some may say that all you need is some string, some wax, some scent and some color, mix it all together and pour it into a container and let it sit then light it up.

As you may or may not realize yet, IT IS NOT THAT SIMPLE. Below we would like to offer you some basic tips to remember when developing your candles.

All waxes are not created equal

There are many different type of waxes ranging from 100% Paraffin to 100% soy

If a wax is paraffin derived it most likely to contain several different waxes ranging in melt point and consistency. Each time another ingredient is added to a blend it will modify the way your candle will burn

If a wax is derived from soy, palm or other natural ingredients these too will most likely be blended with a variety of different natural ingredients to help modify its overall function

Try to know as much as possible about the wax that you are using; this will help the development of your candle

Fragrance vs. Essential Oils

There is a distinct difference between synthetically made fragrances an essential oil

A well-made candle fragrance will go into your melted wax easily. If you see any separation after you pour and gently mix your fragrance this may be an indication that the fragrance is not compatible with wax

An essential oil is a fragrance derived directly from its original source. These oils generally do not have any additional chemicals added. These oils can be difficult to work with in candles due to their natural reactive properties

Try to know as much as possible about the fragrances that you are using. Test small samples thoroughly before making any large purchases

Dyes and colors

Dyes come in several forms: powder, liquid, flakes and chips

Some dyes are comprised of both oil soluble dyes and pigments

Oil soluble dyes, for the most part, go easily into waxes. Pigments however may not be as soluble. Pigment will add depth and richness to a color but may not be fully dissolved as it is generally suspend not dissolved

Colorants that are not fully dissolved in your wax will cause problems such as; bleeding, speckles, fading and wick clogging

Try to know as much as possible about the dyes that you are using. What you know will help in the way you handles these colors

We have found over the years that if you mix your dye with your fragrance this considerably increases the solubility of the powder or liquid

Wicks

The wicks ability to perform depends on the quality of ingredients in the candle. It can only work well if it is fed with quality fuel

Most wicks have a difficult time overcoming certain ingredients that are supplied to it via the wax, fragrance and color. A wick is like a straw if something is blocking the straw you cannot get the liquid up

There are many different types of wicks available. Each wick was originally created to serve a certain purpose. Zinc wicks for rigidity, Flat braided wicks for pillars, cotton and paper type wicks for high fragranced candles and so on

Each wick can serve multiple purposes from its original concept. When trying to find the right wick, try not to rule out something that did not work previously during your development

If you have truly come up with your perfect looking and smelling candle, there is a wick available that can make it burn perfectly too. Just take that time to test each wick available to you

THE GOLDEN RULE FOR MAKING THE PERFECT CANDLE IS TEST TEST TEST. Whether you are making paraffin candles or natural candles each can be made to burn properly and cleanly if you just take the time. Know your ingredients, take the time necessary, run several rounds of testing, lighting and relighting multiple times. We recommend test burning your candles for 3-4 hours per burn. This should be repeated 5-6 times or to the completion of the candle before determining that you have chosen the correct wick.

As a last bit of advice the best thing you can do to make a good candle is TEST TEST TEST!

Selecting a Wick

The challenge of selecting the right wick takes time. The best way to find the right wick is to test each wick in the final candle formula chosen.